Corroded Window Screws

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by J Mac

Here's another thought. Use aluminum screws. Here's a pack of 60 pcs. Just cut to length and install, or research a shorter length. Then this "madness" can stop.
Veranda 2-1/4 in. White Aluminum Vinyl Fence Screws (60-Pieces Per Bag)-73066801S - The Home Depot

I don't think I would try cutting down the length of a self-tapping screw, but the idea of an aluminum screw is brilliantly simple and logical. The white head colour of this example is to match fencing, and the screws would look better without it, but the idea would be the same regardless of cosmetic finish.

My only concern would be if the screw is strong enough to take the torque required to drive it into the frame channel without losing its head. A test would be called for.

I tried a Home Depot search for just aluminum screws, and found only these:
#10 1 in. Phillips Pan-Head Sheet Metal Screws
The drive is Phillips (which I would not want), I don't know offhand what size would be right, and although the description says they are sharply pointed the photo shows self-drilling (which is not needed)... but it is a start which suggests that the ideal screw might be out there.

What thread size (diameter, such as #8 or #10) and length is suitable for the frames? I have similar window frames, but would rather not pull one out to check.

[J Mac]

Brian, If the aluminum screw is replacing a corroded screw then a 'pilot hole' has already been established and the risk of torquing the head off is likely minimal. But, if in doubt, or using a larger screw, drill a new pilot hole. A can of Krylon spray paint can change the head colour.

[Ray N]

I just checked our May 22 built 21' - no sign of rust.

[JPSpins]

The screws on my windows (19', late May 2017), have begun to rust as have those on a friend's 19' picked up the same day. Rust stains are around the screws on the window frame.
I sent pictures to ETI last week, no reply as yet.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by JPSpins

....no reply as yet.

Reace is not yet home from his whirlwind tour, as he is here in Calgary supporting Tammy who is competing in the Calgary Stampede Team Cattle Penning event. We went down to watch her ride yesterday.

I have seen cutting events before, but never this team competition. The are 30 head of cattle, with the same number from 0-9 on three of them, and the 3 person team must cut the ones of the same number out (selected at random by the judges), herd them to the other end of the field and get them into a pen. Lots of fun to watch.

[cpaharley2008]

Jean-Pierre,
Can you please post some pictures here for others to see what you are mentioning, thanks.

[Donna D.]

The windows come from the window manufacturer as a unit. ETI just installs. Hehr stands by their products. I'd contact Hehr for warranty work.

[JPSpins]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Jean-Pierre,
Can you please post some pictures here for others to see what you are mentioning, thanks.

I tried without success....new attempt coming up.

[cpaharley2008]

Is that the side or top of which window. I can rotate it if need be.

[JPSpins]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Is that the side or top of which window. I can rotate it if need be.

Top side, same issue all around except for bathroom which is a different type of window.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

The windows come from the window manufacturer as a unit. ETI just installs. Hehr stands by their products. I'd contact Hehr for warranty work.

Hehr does not supply the screws to the OEM's. Looks like another bad batch.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Hehr does not supply the screws to the OEM's. Looks like another bad batch.

Yeah, I got bad screws. But those were on the clamp ring. Wasn't ETIs fault though. But these are part of the unit that was assembled at Hehr. Hehr should fix the problem IMHO.

[tdf-texas]

Mine has a few rusty screws as well. No big deal - just replace them when we get home.

[wetzk]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

Mine has a few rusty screws as well. No big deal - just replace them when we get home.

Mine does too. I wonder if could I coat them with Ospho then semi gloss paint. It just surface rust so far.

[padlin]

You can buy stainless steel screws that are black.

[sumac.rhus]

Wonder if it would be worth coating the screws with something to prevent rusting?

[Donna D.]

Eventually all windows will need to be pulled and rebedded. That's a fact. I wouldn't fill the slot of the screw with paint. Maybe a fluid film instead?

[cpaharley2008]

The paint should not prevent removal sometime in the future, I'd use automotive touch up paint, it is good quality and has a built in small brush already.

[Donna D.]

Rust never sleeps. Just painting over rust doesn't cure the problem. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not still doing the nasty deed. Rust needs to be converted to stop it. When I mentioned fluid film, I'm looking at something water-based, with rust converter, primer and paint all in one. Like this: Corroseal 82320 Water-Based Rust Converter, Quart

Filling the slots in screw heads with paint, is a PITA when you need to remove the screws. So, I want to test this stuff first before I use it on a whole bunch of window screws.

If it was outside, like the frame.. I'd be using POR-15.

YMMV

[cpaharley2008]

I have a different opinion here and lets see what others have to say, here is my research:
Rusting is caused due to exposture of iron to moisture. When iron articles are painted, it is not exposed to the atomospheric moisture. This is how paint stops rusting.